The Platte County Citizen

A Platte County man with a long history of motor vehicle theft has been arrested after an investigation that spanned several counties.

Joshua Vance, 33, is currently being held at the Platte County Detention Center on $10,000 cash only bond after his arrest Thursday, Feb. 1. According to court documents, a 2016 Polaris ATV stolen from Parkville in December was located at a farm house in Lathrop, Mo. later that month. The property owner’s son told Clinton County Sheriff’s Office deputies he was storing the ATV, as well as other items, for Vance, who claimed the items were not stolen. A stolen red dirt bike was also located at the home, with cell phone records stating Vance had discussed selling the stolen bike.

Joshua Vance

In the statement of probable cause, police called Vance “a prolific vehicle thief” and stated within the past two months Platte County deputies have been involved in at least eight vehicle pursuits from his residence in southern Platte County. Pursuits were called off when they were deemed too dangerous to traffic to continue. Additionally, Vance’s address has been tied to the theft of an ATM from Maryville, Mo. in January.

Vance was also reportedly in contact with some victims of his alleged thefts via a website called Stolen KC, and may have returned a few items to owners. Vance is also connected to the theft of a Sportsman ATV.

Vance is charged with two felony counts of tampering, related to the thefts of both ATVs, and remains in custody. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March. 20 before Platte County Circuit Court Judge Ann Hansbrough.

Vance has pleaded not guilty and will be represented by Ross C. Nigro.